When it comes to gift giving, Charlottesville is a great place to shop small! There are local stores in Charlottesville for every interest and age, from home cooks to Lego lovers.
Whether you’re planning for a birthday, holiday, or another special event, Charlottesville’s independent stores have the perfect gift for anyone on your list. In our Charlottesville gift shopping guide, you’ll find toy stores, bookstores, hobby shops, art supplies, and more, all within a short drive and all locally owned.
For Children: Independent Toy Stores in Charlottesville
Green Bean Baby Boutique
2120 Barracks Rd.
This much loved eco-friendly boutique sells a selection of baby gear and clothes. They also have a hearty toy section, perfect if you’re shopping for babies or young toddlers.
Shenanigans
601 W Main St.
This toy store is a Charlottesville institution, beloved by local kids for the past 50 years. You’ll be able to find something for any kid: dolls, games, books, cars, and much more.
Whimsies
2035 Bond St., Unit 150
Along with their selection of beautiful children’s clothing, Whimsies is a great place to find costumes, stuffed animals, and other toys. There are gifts for kids of all ages.
For Artists: Local Arts & Crafts Stores in Charlottesville
Creative Framing & The Art Box
2125 Ivy Rd., Suite 5 & 1155 Crozet Ave.
Knowledgeable staff will help direct you in finding the right supplies for any artist in your life. The Art Box sells extensive high-quality tools for painting, drawing, printmaking, bookmaking, kids’ art supplies, and much more.
Lazy Daisy Ceramics
1709 Monticello Rd. #6229
A trip to Lazy Daisy is a gift itself–though they also offer gift cards! Young and old will enjoy painting ceramics, which will then be glazed and fired and ready to pick up a week later. Kids might also enjoy making something as a gift to give to a grandparent or sibling.
Rock Paper Scissors
321 E Main St.
This paper goods store offers lots of beautiful ready-to-use cards and gifts, but is also a great place to find crafting materials such as paper, high quality pens and markers, fun crafting kits, and more.
Crozet Inspiration Station
2025 Library Ave., Crozet
This Crozet open-craft studio has so many fun projects that kids can choose from and customize. Creative assistants are available to help if extra guidance is needed. Gift cards are available.
The Scrappy Elephant
1745 Allied St., Suite C
This craft supplies store is a dream for open-minded crafters. Its sustainable upcycling model means that items are always coming and going–chalk, ribbon, markers, scissors, stickers, stencils, buttons, and all sorts of things that will inspire young artists in your life.
For Homebodies: Home & Garden Supplies in Charlottesville
The Happy Cook
1107 B Emmet St. N
Find kitchen supplies for chefs and bakers of all ages! From large high-quality purchases to essentials for new bakers, the friendly staff is happy to help you find the right thing.
Fifth Season Gardening
900 Preston Ave.
Fifth Season sells everything you could need for gardening, homebrewing, and a variety of homesteading projects. They also sell kid-sized tools, nature-themed gifts, and more.
For Gamers: Charlottesville Game Stores
The End Games
390 Hillsdale Dr.
A great place to shop or stop and play a game. The End Games sells tabletop board games, popular trading card games, and role-playing games.
Sabre Games
108 4th St. NE
Sabre Games & Cards has a wonderful selection of miniatures as well as tabletop, role-playing, and card games. They offer one of the most extensive RPG and zine collections in the country. Gift cards available.
For Knitters & Sewers: Fabric, Yarn, & More in Charlottesville
EWE
617 W Main St.
EWE Fine Fiber Goods has a large collection of yarn and patterns for knitters, as well as a room full of fabrics and other supplies for both experienced and new sewers.
Magpie Knits
111 W Main St.
This full-service yarn and needlepoint store is located on the downtown mall. Find ready-made gifts or supplies for the knitter or embroiderer in your life.
For Readers: Independent Bookstores Near Charlottesville
Bluebird & Co
5792 Three Notch’d Rd., Crozet
This little Crozet store is a one-stop shop for everyone on your list. You can find clothing, toys, and gifts, as well as a large collection of books.
Commerce Street Books
499 W Main St.
Located in the Gallery of the Doyle Hotel on West Main Street is Commerce Street Books, which sells a curated selection of books for adults and kids. You can also become a member, which offers discounts on every purchase, free coffee, and other perks.
Daedalus Books
123 Heather Heyer Way
A true maze to get lost it–named after Daedalus, the mythical inventor of Minos’ labyrinth–prepare to spend some time discovering what Daedalus Books has: cookbooks, children’s books, classics, sci-fi, and so much more line the shelves of this three-story downtown shop.
Hello Comics
398 Hillsdale Dr. & 211A West Main St.
Both the downtown and Seminole Square locations are a comic-book reader’s dream. You can find old and new comics, as well as manga, games, and other collectibles.
New Dominion Bookshop
404 E Main St.
The staff at New Dominion Bookshop is happy to help guide you in finding the right book for any reader in your life. The children’s books are always rotating, and include seasonal books, activity books, journals, classics, and new releases.
University Bookstore
400 Emmet St. S
The UVA Bookstore sells books as well as gifts and merchandise for the Cavalier in your life. This is a great spot to find small gifts, such as keychains, socks, ornaments, and mugs–though they also sell special gifts such as college chairs.
For World-Builders: Charlottesville Spots for Legos, Trains, & More
Bricks & Minifigs
2050 Bond St. Unit 110
This magical store buys and sells LEGOs. Find complete sets, unique pieces, minifigures, and individual bricks of every color of the rainbow.
Rail Tales
705 Dale Ave. C
This store specializes in model trains and railways, but also sells a variety of things for model-making hobbyists, such as model rockets.
University Dive and Hobby Center
510 Westfield Rd.
This small shop has been around for decades. While it sells lots of diving gear, you can also find radio-controlled vehicles, boats, and planes.
Looking for what’s next for your Cville kids? CharlottesvilleFamily has you covered with birthday party planning guides, private school insights, and after-school sports and classes. Plus, explore local events and festivals.
Keep it all at your fingertips—sign up for our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag. And don’t miss the chance to get to know the local businesses we feature.
SUZANNAH SPAAR is the editor of CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine, a writer, mom of two, and no stranger to the local book and toy stores.